The joint statements by President Ilham Aliyev and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, underscore the strategic importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that these remarks were made by Vugar Bayramov, a member of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), in a recent statement regarding the strengthening bilateral ties.
MP Vugar Bayramov noted that the European Union remains Azerbaijan's primary trading partner. According to the lawmaker, more than 42 percent of Azerbaijan's total trade turnover of $43.83 billion in 2025 was accounted for by the European Union. Furthermore, 69 percent of Azerbaijan's total exports, valued at $22.642 billion, were directed toward EU member states.
The deputy highlighted that Italy holds a special position in Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover, accounting for approximately one-fourth of the total volume.
According to Bayramov, energy cooperation is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan-EU relations. Out of Azerbaijan's annual gas export of 25.2 billion cubic meters, 12.8 billion cubic meters are transported to Europe. He emphasized that the fact that 10 of the countries importing Azerbaijani natural gas are EU members demonstrates Azerbaijan's growing influence as a key partner in the European energy market.
The MP stated that over the past five years, Azerbaijan has exported more than 56 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe, currently ranking among the top five gas suppliers to the EU. He added that Azerbaijani gas is now reaching not only Central and Eastern Europe but also Western European markets.
Vugar Bayramov further noted that in this new phase, Azerbaijan will expand cooperation with Europe in the field of renewable energy. He mentioned that through an energy line to be laid across Georgia and the bottom of the Black Sea, it will be possible to export energy generated from renewable sources in Azerbaijan to the EU after 2027.
The deputy also emphasized that Azerbaijan serves as a vital transport and logistics bridge between Europe and Central Asia. The expansion of regional transport corridors and intensified discussions regarding the opening of the Zangazur corridor will lead to an increase in the volume of cargo transported through the country. This will provide Europe with easier access to the East, including through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
According to the lawmaker, the visit of European Council President Antonio Costa to Azerbaijan and the discussions held indicate the further strengthening of the country's geopolitical position, with the emerging cooperation environment in the region creating additional opportunities.
The relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union is governed by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which has been in force since 1999. In recent years, the partnership has evolved into a strategic energy alliance, particularly with the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor. This infrastructure is vital for Europe's energy security and diversification efforts, positioning Azerbaijan as a reliable alternative to traditional energy suppliers.
